What is the maximum width of a load that can be transported?

Generally, the maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet, which is based on the standard width of highway lanes - Interstate and major highways are typically 12 feet. However, the definition and measure of length may vary from state to state.

What is considered an oversized load?

A consignment exceeding 8 ft 6 inches wide, 13 ft 6 inches high, and that is more than 48-53 ft in length constitutes an oversized load. Regulations differ from state to state, especially those with older and narrower roads.

Can oversize loads travel on weekends?

The majority of states don’t allow oversized trucks to drive on weekends or during holidays. Oversized loads usually have to be off the road by noon the day before the holiday begins. We always adhere to specific state regulations.

What are pilot cars, and when are they required?

Pilot cars escort trucks pulling over-dimensional loads. Equipped with lights and signs, they warn other vehicles of the load and keep carrier drivers informed of road and traffic conditions. In some states, they prevent other drivers from overtaking the carriers.

When Are Permits For Oversized Load Required?

We organize permits for loads that exceed: 8 ½ ft wide 12 ½ ft tall 65 ft total length 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight 34,000-pound tandem axle weight 20,000-pound single axle weight

Oversized Transport

Oversize Freight Shipping Service

Cowtown handles over-dimensional freight with permit planning, escort coordination, equipment selection, and U.S. and Canada execution built around the load profile. For project cargo that pushes deeper into weight and route complexity, see our heavy haul service.

Request Support

Permit-Driven Freight

Oversize Moves Managed Before Wheels Turn

We handle routing, permits, equipment selection, and project coordination early so oversized freight moves with fewer surprises.

11+

Over-Dimensional Controls

Over-dimensional permit and escort coordination built into the plan

Equipment selected around height, width, weight, and loading constraints

Route planning aligned to clearance, permit, and escort requirements

U.S. and Canada execution support for long-distance oversize moves

Freight Service Capabilities

Built for Shipper Operations

From permit acquisition to logistics management and over-dimensional equipment transportation, our experts match the move to RGN trailers , step deck trailers , double drop trailers , or flatbed capacity across the USA and Canada.

Reliable Logistics For Abnormal Loads: Our accomplished team provides agile solutions for the simplest to most complex shipments. When the load profile also requires specialized trailer planning, route control, and axle strategy, Cowtown can coordinate both oversized freight and heavy haul execution.

Always Prepared For Road Hassles: We are prepared to mitigate all challenges that come our way. Sometimes accidents, vehicle fires, rollovers, and pile-ups cause unforeseen delays. No matter what happens, our experienced team will ensure your over-dimensional freight reaches its destination.

Constant Tracking And Communication: Our GPS tracking system provides 24/7 visibility, so you can track where your freight is. We’ll provide you with frequent updates for greater peace of mind while your assigned logistics project manager is always available to answer questions and steer you through the process.

Meeting Necessary Regulations: Our team is experienced with transporting loads that contravene maximum requirements. We know the individual state and territory regulations that you need to follow and apply for the relevant permits to get your freight delivered on time.

Reliable Drivers For Safety Of Your Freight: Wide-load cargo requires expert drivers and disciplined planning. Our carriers handle freight such as construction equipment shipping , farm equipment shipping , and railroad equipment shipping with the controls these moves require.

A photograph of an oversized freight load on a trailer.

Over-Dimensional Freight

Types Of Over-Dimensional Loads

We handle over-dimensional transportation for many industries with equipment matched to the load profile and route requirements.

We frequently haul:

· Construction freight such as bulldozers, cranes, beams, steel structures, backhoes, lift equipment, precast materials, and loaders
· Agricultural equipment including farm machinery, tractors, and combines
· Mining and oil field equipment
· Manufacturing freight such as injection molding equipment and wind turbines
· Transport equipment including boats and airplane components
· Energy freight such as wind blades and generators
· Miscellaneous oversized cargo including pre-assembled homes, trailer-mounted equipment, and extra-long, wide, or tall freight

Operational Confidence

Oversized Service Performance Focus

We coordinate coverage, communication, and execution so your team can plan confidently across lanes and schedules.

Use this service lane with proactive updates and practical support for exceptions, schedule changes, and delivery priorities.

Talk to an Expert

24/7

Operations Visibility

48 States

Coverage Reach

1 Team

Single Point of Coordination

100%

Focus on Execution Quality

Why Cowtown Logistics Is Your Oversized Trucking Company Of Choice

There’s no up-front deposit required when you partner with Cowtown Logistics, and our team oversees each move from pickup through final delivery.

No Up-Front Deposit: We make it easier to start oversized moves without adding unnecessary up-front friction to the project.
Fully Covered: Cowtown is fully licensed, bonded, and backed by insurance coverage appropriate for specialized freight execution.
Managed From Pickup to Delivery: Every shipment is supported by a dedicated logistics team that tracks the load and manages the process from origin through destination.
Cross-Border Reach: We support oversized freight across the United States and into Canada with a responsive team working around the clock.

The Equipment Range For Your Over-Dimensional Freight

We select specialized trailers with the appropriate bed size and load-bearing capacity to move freight that exceeds legal size criteria.

Standard Oversize Trailers: Flatbed trailers, stepdecks, lowboys, and gooseneck trailers for a broad range of oversized freight.
Extended Deck Options: Double drops, stretch flatbeds, and single stretch drop trailers for freight that needs more usable deck length or clearance.
Specialized Support Equipment: Triaxles, hot shot trucking, and Landoll trailers to support unusual freight profiles and specialized loading requirements.
Protected Load Options: Dry vans and other protected configurations for over-dimensional freight that still needs enclosed transport characteristics.

What Clients Say About Us

Customer Testimonials

★★★★★

"Man, was I in a bind last month. I am a sales person for a packaged food company and I had to receive about 150 cases of product, divvy it all up, and then ship it out to 70 different locations. I work from home and there was no way I was going to run this operation out of my 1 bedroom apartment. I was in a panic until I looked up some information and called Cowtown Logistics. They were so nice and agreed to receive the product, divide it up, and ship it out for me."

Bridget P.

★★★★★

"We have used Cowtown Logistics several times to move pallets between our warehouses in Dallas and Fort Worth. They have always delivered on-time and as expected. We are very pleased and wholeheartedly recommend their services."

Darren F.

★★★★★

"Cowtown is a fantastic company in every angle. Our drivers put in 110 percent for the company and our customers and we get back every bit of that."

Devin Wittu

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum width of a load that can be transported?: Generally, the maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet, which is based on the standard width of highway lanes - Interstate and major highways are typically 12 feet. However, the definition and measure of length may vary from state to state.
What is considered an oversized load?: A consignment exceeding 8 ft 6 inches wide, 13 ft 6 inches high, and that is more than 48-53 ft in length constitutes an oversized load. Regulations differ from state to state, especially those with older and narrower roads.
Can oversize loads travel on weekends?: The majority of states don’t allow oversized trucks to drive on weekends or during holidays. Oversized loads usually have to be off the road by noon the day before the holiday begins. We always adhere to specific state regulations.
What are pilot cars, and when are they required?: Pilot cars escort trucks pulling over-dimensional loads. Equipped with lights and signs, they warn other vehicles of the load and keep carrier drivers informed of road and traffic conditions. In some states, they prevent other drivers from overtaking the carriers.
When Are Permits For Oversized Load Required?: We organize permits for loads that exceed: 8 ½ ft wide 12 ½ ft tall 65 ft total length 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight 34,000-pound tandem axle weight 20,000-pound single axle weight

Oversize Freight Shipping Service

Oversize Moves Managed Before Wheels Turn

Built for Shipper Operations

Types Of Over-Dimensional Loads

Oversized Service Performance Focus

Why Cowtown Logistics Is Your Oversized Trucking Company Of Choice

The Equipment Range For Your Over-Dimensional Freight

Customer Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Oversized Transport Support?

Talk with the Cowtown team.